First few SupTLE orbit datasets are in for Starlink Group 6-1 and it's very ineresting: as expected the deploy orbit is 365 x 372 km x 43.0 deg, so same inclination as Group 5; but the satellite *names* are a new sequence:
Existing Starlinks had names up to Starlink-5800 or so; these ones are in the Starlink-30000 series (2023-026A is Starlink 30050). This will make it easy to distinguish the V2Minis from the V1.5 sats
Love the janky-but-it-works vibes from the new Starlink V2 Mini deployment mechanism lol. Starlink V2 launches will no longer create guaranteed debris (however short-lived) in the form of tensioning rods, as they will now reenter with the Falcon upper stage!
For example, I think this block on the crossbeam is aluminum honeycomb that's meant to crush against the upper stage to prevent the rod assembly from bouncing back up! Falcon booster legs have a similar 'crush cores' that act like single-use suspension during hard landings.
Also the supersized zip ties holding the wire harness to the rod, probably for the camera at the top! If it works, it works 😂
CelesTrak has ephemeris-based SupGP data for all 21 v2 mini satellites from the #Starlink Group 6-1 launch (2023-026) from Cape Canaveral on Feb 27 at 23:13:50 UTC: spaceflightnow.com/2023/02/27/fal…. The latest data for that launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?INTDES=2023-026
A quick visual check of the pre-launch & ephemeris-based SupGP data for #Starlink Group 6-1 shows the single-satellite (72001) in the pack of the ephemeris-based results, with the stack (72000) not far behind, confirming the drag modeling for the v2 minis.
80. Orbital Tolerances. The satellites authorized in this grant are planned for operations inorbital shells centered at altitudes from 525 km to 535 km. SpaceX has requested orbital tolerances of+70 km and -50 km, i.e., the satellites in any orbital shell can be maintained for regular operationsanywhere within an altitude range of 70 kilometers above or 50 kilometers below the center altitude...82. The record does not reflect with any specificity a need for Gen2 Starlink satelliteoperations at altitudes above 580 km, as opposed to the +45 to +55 km tolerance that can be achieved ifoperations are maintained below 580 km. We also note that one of the reasons for larger orbitaltolerances that SpaceX identifies—effects of solar radiation on the orbits of spacecraft—is lesspronounced for the particular orbital shells authorized by this grant than for lower altitudes. We willfollow the approach of the SpaceX Third Modification Order, and require SpaceX to restrict its Gen2Starlink operations to below 580 km.
It looks like they exercised freedom to move shells. From the authorization:Quote80. Orbital Tolerances. The satellites authorized in this grant are planned for operations inorbital shells centered at altitudes from 525 km to 535 km. SpaceX has requested orbital tolerances of+70 km and -50 km, i.e., the satellites in any orbital shell can be maintained for regular operationsanywhere within an altitude range of 70 kilometers above or 50 kilometers below the center altitude...82. The record does not reflect with any specificity a need for Gen2 Starlink satelliteoperations at altitudes above 580 km, as opposed to the +45 to +55 km tolerance that can be achieved ifoperations are maintained below 580 km. We also note that one of the reasons for larger orbitaltolerances that SpaceX identifies—effects of solar radiation on the orbits of spacecraft—is lesspronounced for the particular orbital shells authorized by this grant than for lower altitudes. We willfollow the approach of the SpaceX Third Modification Order, and require SpaceX to restrict its Gen2Starlink operations to below 580 km.The satellites at 553 km looks like drifting to their final spots at 559 km. They all arrived at 553 km first, now the majority moved to 559 km.
The satellites at 553 km looks like drifting to their final spots at 559 km. They all arrived at 553 km first, now the majority moved to 559 km.
Quote from: OceanCat on 02/28/2023 12:08 pmIt looks like they exercised freedom to move shells. From the authorization:Quote80. Orbital Tolerances. The satellites authorized in this grant are planned for operations inorbital shells centered at altitudes from 525 km to 535 km. SpaceX has requested orbital tolerances of+70 km and -50 km, i.e., the satellites in any orbital shell can be maintained for regular operationsanywhere within an altitude range of 70 kilometers above or 50 kilometers below the center altitude...82. The record does not reflect with any specificity a need for Gen2 Starlink satelliteoperations at altitudes above 580 km, as opposed to the +45 to +55 km tolerance that can be achieved ifoperations are maintained below 580 km. We also note that one of the reasons for larger orbitaltolerances that SpaceX identifies—effects of solar radiation on the orbits of spacecraft—is lesspronounced for the particular orbital shells authorized by this grant than for lower altitudes. We willfollow the approach of the SpaceX Third Modification Order, and require SpaceX to restrict its Gen2Starlink operations to below 580 km.The satellites at 553 km looks like drifting to their final spots at 559 km. They all arrived at 553 km first, now the majority moved to 559 km.So basically any of the authorized Gen2 sats can be operated anywhere between 475 and 580 km?
Doug arrived at Port Canaveral last night with both fairing halves from Starlink 6-1 on board.Unloading now live here: nsf.live/spacecoast
Welcome back B1076.3! Falcon 9 returns to Port Canaveral, after delivering the first batch of Starlink V2 mini satellites
B1076 is back at Port Canaveral aboard A Shortfall of Gravitas, returned from the Starlink Group 6-1 mission!nsf.live/spacecoast
